Kenyan runner Kimetto sets new 'under two hours, three minutes' marathon world record

Kenyan long distance runner Dennis Kimetto set up a new marathon world record in Berlin after winning the race in a time of two hours, two minutes and 57 seconds.

Kimetto shook off fellow Kenyan Emmanuel Mutai with just under three miles remaining to become the first man to run a marathon in less than two hours and three minutes. Mutai, who finished second in two hours, three minutes and 13 seconds, also broke the previous record.

Kimetto said that he feels good because he won a very tough race, adding that he felt good from the start and in the last few miles he felt he could do it and break the record, The BBC reported.

Kimetto's compatriot Wilson Kipsang had set the previous world record on the same course 12 months ago, completing the marathon in two hours, three minutes and 23 seconds.

The Kenyan, who won marathons in Tokyo and Boston last year, had promised to attack the record in Berlin if conditions allowed. And in weather perfect for long-distance running, with temperatures around eight degrees centigrade, Kimetto kept his promise, staying in the lead group throughout and sprinting to victory and a new world's best time, the report added.